What it means to be a doctor. Sensitizing the dentist and the student to professionalism

Professional demeanor and the inter-personal behavior of the dentist play a large part in building the trust patients measure as they gain confidence in their choice of practitioner. Most of the time, patients experience comfort through the competent, compassionate care of a genuinely respected provider. That important im- age is determined by the ethical and proper relationships every patient encounters. The following discussion brings to the forefront image-damaging episodes that have occurred as a result of unwise or unthinking circumstances playing out not only in the office, but in the community and in private life as well. Can a professional shield the public from disappointing legal, unprofessional entanglements that could cast doubt on the good judgment and safety expected of the doctor? What effects on a practice may be seen?